NEW YORK — If there was any doubt that Todd Helton’s back was better it was erased by the lineup card and weather. There’s no way that the Rockies would start Helton for the first time since Thursday if his back was bothering him in soggy conditions.

“It’s improved,” said Helton, who was practically giddy, bouncing around the clubhouse and joking with teammates.

Helton ran and took batting practice this afternoon, clearing the way for his return. The lineup he joined has a different look. Dexter Fowler is getting a day off as Seth Smith leads off against left-handed starter Jon Niese.

PITTSBURGH — What, you think the first week-plus of the Rockies’ season has been all about winning? No. Fact is, it’s been more about their resolve than their record.

The Rockies are showing the distinct signs of a team that’s convinced it is ready to win, exorcising their demons of 2010 in the process.

“It’s a different mentality,’’ closer Huston Street said after today’s 6-5 win over the Pirates. “It’s more of a humble approach to the game. It’s more of a respect for the day, for that at-bat. There’s that sense of purpose that we don’t want to give one day away.”

PITTSBURGH — Ty Wigginton’s bases-clearing double in the eighth inning gave the Rockies a 6-4 victory over the Pirates tonight. Now for the few words about the guy who put the Rockies in position to make Wigginton’s double meaningful.

Greg Reynolds.

Reynolds, called up from Triple A Colorado Springs to start in place of Ubaldo Jimenez, is trying to pick up the pieces of an injury-plagued career. His start was supposed to be about cleaning up the back of his baseball card after a forgettable 2-8, 813 debut in 2008.

PITTSBURGH — Major league teams don’t just steal bases. The good ones steal runs, too.

So how many runs have the Rockies stolen in their first five games?

“Probably one a game, just to be safe,’’ said Todd Helton.

He would know. Rockies infielders have made several surreal plays, and some have ended with Helton digging the ball out of the dirt at first base. For the record, it’s something Helton takes great pride in.

“I want them to know they can throw the ball anywhere,’’ said Helton. “They’re not going to get an error. The worst thing that’s going to happen is we’re not going to get an out. I tell them, ‘Just don’t throw it high because I can’t jump.’ ’’

Wet, windy weather washed out today’s scheduled game between the Rockies and Diamondbacks. No makeup date has been announced.

Tickets from this game are valid for the makeup game.

The Rockies don’t play again until Tuesday when they host the Dodgers in a two-game series. The new rotation. Jhoulys Chacin and Jason Hammel vs. Dodgers. Pittsburgh will feature Esmil Rogers, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jorge De La Rosa and Chacin.

Prior to postponement, manager Jim Tracy provided updates on the club’s top two starters, Jimenez and De La Rosa.

DENVER — Manager Jim Tracy never makes a decision without deep thought, if not statistical number crunching. In the end, he felt it was better for Jose Lopez to start at second base, hinting at his past power numbers.

“I think being in this environment with help. And we need to see what we have in Lopez. Is he the guy we saw in 2009? If he’s that guy, then we have something. He could be a rebound candidate,” Tracy said.

Tracy also indicated that he likes Jonathan Herrera’s versatility off the bench. Ian Stewart also didn’t crack the lineup, supplanted by Ty Wigginton.

Rockies second baseman Jose Lopez, left, throws to first after forcing out Milwaukee Brewers' Anderson De La Rosa in a spring game.

TULSA, Okla. — Opening day is Friday at Coors Field. And the Rockies’ starting second baseman will be … will be …

“That’s something I’m still mulling over,’’ said Rockies manager Jim Tracy. “We have a number of wonderful options depending on what we’re up against. We have an opportunity to pick and choose in given situations.’’

Translation: It’s nobody’s job. Jose Lopez was acquired to play there, but Tracy plans on giving Jonathan Herrera and Ty Wigginton significant playing time. One of them could find himself starting on Friday against the Diamondbacks.

Taveras is a perfect fit for the Rockies’ small-ball approach this spring. He figures to land at Triple A Colorado Springs, but make no doubt, he’s made a major impact in his second tour with the Rockies.

Taveras had three hits today, including two bunt singles down the third-base line, to raise his Cactus League batting average to .350. Now for the fine print: The bunt hits came with Chone Figgins, one of the quickest third basemen in the game, creeping toward the plate.

The Rockies’ decision makers aren’t just taking a casual glance at Pacheco. They’re taking a long, hard look.
They’re not only letting him play, they’re putting him in a key spot in the batting order.

Pacheco, a minor-league catcher ticketed at the outset of camp for Double A or Triple A, could wind up on the 25-man opening day roster if Ian Stewart isn’t ready to play. At any rate, he has hit the Rockies’ radar screen after starting last season in High A ball.

Pacheco will hit second today against the Reds at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Here’s a look at the lineups for the two teams:

Hits: Jose Lopez graded out as one of the game’s best third baseman last season with the Mariners. He showed why Friday, diving to his right and making a perfect throw for an out. With Ian Stewart a candidate to start the season at third, there could be scenarios where Lopez plays third and Ty Wigginton, the likely opening day starter at third, plays first.

Hits: Ian Stewart is recovering and Ty Wigginton is raking. Wigginton hit his second home run of the spring, smoking a fastball onto the left-field berm. Stewart, out since the Cactus League opener, is hopeful that he will play this week. … Dexter Fowler continues to take good passes at the ball. He lined a single and double in his first two at-bats. Fowler has three extra-base hits. … Jonathan Herrera’s ability to bunt will only help his argument for playing time. He’s been a sacrifice bunt machine from second spot in the lineup. … Reliever Matt Daley has not allowed a run in three spring appearances.

Hits: Dexter Fowler’s aggressive first-inning lead caused a throwing error. He moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on a passed ball. … Ty Wigginton calls himself a “hitter with a glove.’’ While he doesn’t have a position, it’s hard not see him getting 450 at-bats. He hit his first home run of the spring. … Huston Street was much more efficient in his scoreless outing. He wants to have command of his slider and changeup by the middle of March. … The Rockies’ pitching staff isn’t afraid of contact. Matt Daley had the only strikeout. … The Rockies improved to 5-3 this spring.

Misses: Catcher Chris Iannetta went hitless. He’s 1-for-8 with a home run. … Jason Hammel surrendered a first-inning lead, allowing a home run to Lonnie Chisenhall that tucked around the right-field foul pole. The Rockies have struggled with shutdown innings after scoring the past two games. … Ty Wiggington was thrown out trying to score on a shallow flyball to the right fielder. He likely wouldn’t have gone during the season, but it’s part of the Rockies’ edict to be more aggressive on the bases this spring.

What’s next: Dodgers at Rockies, 1:10 p.m., Salt River Fields.

Ubaldo Jimenez makes his second start of the spring, no longer bothered by an infected right thumb cuticle. Jimenez is scheduled to throw three innings. Greg Reynolds, Matt Lindstrom, Matt Belisle will follow. The Dodgers will start left-hander Ted Lilly. Carlos Gonzalez is expected to return to the lineup after a rest day.

Jason Giambi’s deal provides flexibility for the player. While general manager Dan O’Dowd expects Giambi to make the Rockies — he profiles as their version of Matt Stairs — there is protection for both parties if it doesn’t work out.

According to the contract details obtained by The Denver Post, Giambi can request his release on March 31 or June 1 for a position with another team if he’s not on the Rockies’ 25-man roster. His deal calls for an $850,000 salary this season, with $250,000 guaranteed if he’s cut in spring training (that’s highly unlikely if club sticks to plan of keeping just four outfielders). There’s a mutual option for $1 million in 2012 with a $150,000 buyout.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.